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Phone Number +1 713-734-9950
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Affordable Housing

How do I Apply for an Apartment?

Please view our application process here.

What is the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC)?

In 1986, the federal government implemented the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC), also known as the Section 42 Program in some states, to bring private sector resources to the important work of building and managing affordable housing for low and moderate income households. Rent at a LIHTC property has a rent advantage to the resident and is considered affordable housing, most often with lower rent than other neighboring properties if their annual income meets requirements. In exchange for a rent advantage, owners receive a subsidy (in the form of tax credits) that offsets a portion of the building's cost.

Normas Plaza Income Limits

Normas Plaza is an affordable housing community with income restrictions. Please verify that you qualify with the following guidelines. The property has a minimum household income requirement of 2.5 times the monthly rent. Total household income must be under the following limits based on household size:

  • 1 Occupant: $42,480
  • 2 Occupants: $48,540
  • 3 Occupants: $54,600
  • 4 Occupants: $60,660
  • 5 Occupants: $65,520
  • 6 Occupants: $70,380

We accept housing vouchers.

How Does the LIHTC Program Differ from Section 8?

The LIHTC Program has a rent advantage for residents whose incomes do not exceed a certain limit. The property owner is obligated to verify income levels and eligibility annually to maintain compliance. LIHTC rental rates are a percentage below the Area Median Income (AMI), giving residents lower rent than comparable properties. The Section 8 Program provides direct rental assistance, with verification handled by the Housing Agency. We do not provide subsidy, but Section 8 vouchers are accepted at the property.

How Does This Program Benefit Our Residents?

If a household meets the selection criteria and income is below the Maximum Income Limit, the rent is often lower than conventional market-rate apartments of similar size and features. Many tax credit communities also provide updated finishes and improvements, making them competitive with market options.

What Would Prevent a Household from Qualifying?

  • Not meeting all resident selection criteria.
  • Inability to live in the unit for more than six months.
  • Household income exceeds the Maximum Income Limit at initial qualification.
  • If all original household members vacate, new members must qualify under initial criteria.
  • If all members are (or become) full-time students without an accepted exemption.

Student Exemptions Include:

  • Receiving assistance under Title IV of the Social Security Act (TANF).
  • Previously in the foster care program.
  • Enrolled in a job training program receiving federal, state, or local assistance.
  • Single parent households with children, where neither parent nor children are claimed as dependents by another individual.
  • Married households eligible to file a joint tax return.

Is This an Annual Process?

You may be required to re-certify your income annually. Requirements vary by community. While you may exceed the Maximum Income Limits after initial move-in, student status restrictions always remain in place.

What is Included in the Income Calculations?

Appropriate documentation of all income sources must be provided. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Child Support / Social Security
  • Wages, Bonuses, Tips, or Commissions
  • Monetary Gifts / Unemployment
  • Income from Assets and Investments

How Are Income and Rent Limits Determined?

Income limits are based on the Area Median Income (AMI) for the geographic area, evaluated annually by HUD. Rents are based on the number of bedrooms, not the number of occupants, and are tied to a percentage of AMI to ensure affordability.

How Often Will My Rent Change?

Unlike conventional market-rate housing, where rent is set at lease expiration, HUD updates income and rent limits for tax credit housing annually. Rent increases may occur each year and may not align with lease renewal dates.

Note: These lists are not exhaustive. Other qualifications or guidelines may apply.

Affordable Housing